Cigarette package including a cigarette box with a matchbook attached thereto

ABSTRACT

A cigarette package includes a cigarette box with an outer wall surface, and a matchbook attached to the outer wall surface of the cigarette box. The matchbook includes a matchbook cover having an inner cover part with an inner cover surface, and an outer cover part connected to the inner cover part and having an inner cover surface. At least one match is disposed between the inner and outer cover parts, is connected to and is capable of being torn apart from the matchbook cover, and has a head end coated with an ignitable material. A first abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the inner cover part. A second abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the outer cover part. The head end of the match can be ignited when rubbed against the first and second abrasive strips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to cigarette packages, more particularly to one that includes a cigarette box and a matchbook attached to the cigarette box.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a known cigarette package that includes a cardboard cigarette box 1 with a box body 105 for receiving cigarette sticks 4 therein, and a flip-top lid 101 connected pivotally to the box body 105 for closing an open top end of the same. A top wall of the lid 101 has an outer wall surface 102 provided with an abrasive strip 2, and an inner wall surface 103 with a stack 3 of matches 301 attached thereto.

[0005] Some of the drawbacks of the aforesaid conventional cigarette package are as follows:

[0006] 1. It is noted that the matches 301 and the abrasive strip 2 are disposed on the inner and outer wall surfaces 103, 102 of the top wall of the lid 101, respectively. As such, the lid 101 must be opened to remove one of the matches 301 and subsequently closed for igniting the match 301 by rubbing the latter against the abrasive strip 2. Furthermore, when removing the match 301 from the lid 101, the fingers of the user must be extended into a space 104 confined by the lid 101. However, because the space 104 is relatively narrow, the match 301 is not easily removed from the lid 101, especially when the fingers of the user are relatively thick, and the match 301 is disposed adjacent to an edge of the space 104.

[0007] 2. With further reference to FIG. 3, the height of the lid 101 relative to the top edge 106 of the box body 105 must be increased so as to allot sufficient space for accommodating the matches 301. The material requirement for the cigarette box 1 is thus increased, thereby resulting in higher production costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a cigarette package that includes a cigarette box and a matchbook attached to the cigarette box and that is clear of the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a cigarette package that comprises a cigarette box with an outer wall surface, and a matchbook attached to the outer wall surface of the cigarette box. The matchbook includes a matchbook cover having an inner cover part with an inner cover surface, and an outer cover part connected to the inner cover part and having an inner cover surface. At least one match is disposed between the inner and outer cover parts, is connected to and is capable of being torn apart from the matchbook cover, and has a head end coated with an ignitable material. A first abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the inner cover part. A second abrasive strip is provided on the inner cover surface of the outer cover part. The head end of the match can be ignited when rubbed against the first and second abrasive strips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional cigarette package;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic partly sectional view illustrating how a match is removed from the conventional cigarette package of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the conventional cigarette package of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment, taken along lines VI-VI in FIG. 4;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating how a match is ignited in the first preferred embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second preferred embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of the third preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the first preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention is shown to comprise a cigarette box 10 and a matchbook 20.

[0024] The cigarette box 10 includes a box body 11 adapted to receive cigarette sticks 30 therein and having an open top end, and a flip-top lid 12 connected pivotally to the box body 11 for closing the open top end of the latter.

[0025] The matchbook 20 includes a matchbook cover 22 and a row of matches 21 connected to the matchbook cover 22. In this embodiment, the matchbook cover 22 has an inner cover part that is formed integrally with a top wall of the lid 12 such that an outer wall surface 121 of the top wall of the lid 12 also serves as an inner cover surface of the inner cover part. The matchbook cover 22 further has an outer cover part 22 with a mounting edge attached to the outer wall surface 121 by means of an adhesive material 13. The matches 21 are disposed between the top wall of the lid 12 and the outer cover part 22. Each of the matches 21 has a head end 21 connected to the mounting edge of the outer cover part 22. The head end 211 is coated with a conventional ignitable material 212. To form the matchbook 20, top and bottom sides of an intermediate part of a rectangular cardboard are coated with aligned strips of the ignitable material 212, respectively. Then, the rectangular cardboard is slit to form a comb-like row of the matches 21 having the head ends 211 thereof connected to the outer cover part 22. The outer cover part 22 is movable relative to the matches 21 from a closed position, where the outer cover part 22 overlies the matches 21 to conceal the latter, to an open position, where the outer cover part 22 exposes the matches 21. A first abrasive strip 24 is provided on the outer wall surface 121 of the top wall of the lid 12, and is offset from the head ends 211 of the matches 21. A second abrasive strip 23 is provided on an inner cover surface 221 of the outer cover part 22, is parallel to the first abrasive strip 24, and is disposed to confront the first abrasive strip 24 when the outer cover part 22 is disposed in the closed position for concealing the matches 21.

[0026] In use, after removing a cigarette stick 30 from the cigarette box 10, one of the matches 21 is torn apart from the mounting edge of the upper cover part 22. As best shown in FIG. 7, after tearing the match 21 from the mounting edge of the upper cover part 22, the match 21 will rub against the first and second abrasive strips 24, 23 to ignite its head end 211. The cigarette stick 30 can be lighted at this time.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the second preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention is shown to comprise a cigarette box 10 and a matchbook 40.

[0028] The cigarette box 10 includes a box body 11 adapted to receive cigarette sticks (not shown) therein and having an open top end, and a flip-top lid 12 connected pivotally to the box body 11 for closing the open top end of the latter.

[0029] The matchbook 40 includes a matchbook cover and a row of matches 41 connected to the matchbook cover. The matchbook cover includes an inner cover part 44 having an outer cover surface attached to an outer wall surface 121 of a top wall of the lid 12 by means of an adhesive material 13, and an upper cover part 42 connected to the inner cover part 44 via a hinge joint. The matches 41 are disposed between the inner and outer cover parts 44, 42, and have head ends that are coated with a conventional ignitable material 412 and that are interconnected via a stem 411. The stem 411 is adhered to an inner cover surface 441 of the inner cover part 44 adjacent to the hinge joint. To form the matchbook 40, top and bottom sides of an end part of a rectangular cardboard are coated with aligned strips of the ignitable material 412, respectively. Then, the rectangular cardboard is slit to form a comb-like row of the matches 41 having the head ends thereof connected to the stem 411. The stem 411 is then glued to the inner cover surface 441 of the inner cover part 44 adjacent to the hinge joint. The matches 41 are thus disposed between the inner and outer cover parts 44, 42 at this time. A first abrasive strip 45 is provided on the inner cover surface 441 of the inner cover part 44 and is offset from the head ends of the matches 41. A second abrasive strip 43 is provided on an inner cover surface 421 of the outer cover part 42, is parallel to the first abrasive strip 45, and is disposed to confront the first abrasive strip 45 when the outer cover part 42 is disposed in a closed position for concealing the matches 41 between the inner and outer cover parts 44, 42.

[0030] In use, after removing a cigarette stick (not shown) from the cigarette box 10, one of the matches 41 is torn apart from the stem 411. After tearing the match 41 from the stem 411, the match 41 will rub against the first and second abrasive strips 45, 43 to ignite its head end. The cigarette stick can be lighted at this time.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the third preferred embodiment of a cigarette package according to the present invention is shown to comprise a cigarette box 10 and a matchbook 50.

[0032] The cigarette box 10 includes a box body 11 adapted to receive cigarette sticks (not shown) therein and having an open top end, and a flip-top lid 12 connected pivotally to the box body 11 for closing the open top end of the latter.

[0033] The matchbook 50 includes a matchbook cover and a row of matches 53 connected to the matchbook cover. The matchbook cover includes an inner cover part 51 having an outer cover surface 512 attached to an outer wall surface 121 of a top wall of the lid 12 by means of an adhesive material 13, a first cover connecting edge, and a first distal edge opposite to the first cover connecting edge. The matchbook cover further includes an outer cover part 52 having a second cover connecting edge connected to the first cover connecting edge of the inner cover part 51, and a second distal edge opposite to the second cover connecting edge. The distance between the second cover connecting and distal edges is shorter than that between the first cover connecting and distal edges. Each of the matches 53 has a match stem 531. The match stem 531 has a head end that is disposed between the inner and outer cover parts 51, 52 adjacent to the first and second cover connecting edges and that is coated with a conventional ignitable material 533. The match stem 531 further has a handle portion 532 that extends from the head end toward the first distal edge of the inner cover part 51 and that is folded to further extend to and connect with the second distal edge of the outer cover part 52. To form the matchbook 50, a distal edge of a rectangular cardboard is dipped in the ignitable material 533. Then, the rectangular cardboard is formed with slits 524 to result in a comb-like row of the matches 53, and the rectangular cardboard is subsequently folded into three to result in the inner and outer cover parts 51, 52 and in the folded configuration of the match stems 531. The head ends of the match stems 531 are disposed between the inner and outer cover parts 51, 52 at this time. A first abrasive strip 513 is provided on an inner cover surface 511 of the inner cover part 51 and is offset from the head ends of the match stems 531. A second abrasive strip 523 is provided on an inner cover surface 522 of the outer cover part 52, and is parallel to and is disposed to confront the first abrasive strip 513.

[0034] In use, after removing a cigarette stick (not shown) from the cigarette box 10, one of the match stems 531 can be torn apart from the second distal edge of the outer cover part 52. After unfolding the handle portion 532 of the match stem 531 to facilitate handling of the match 53, the match stem 531 can be pulled away from the cover connecting edges of the inner and outer cover parts 51, 52 such that the head end of the match stem 531 rubs against the first and second abrasive strips 513, 523, thereby igniting the same. The cigarette stick can be lighted at this time.

[0035] As compared to the previous embodiments, the presence of the handle portion 532 results in a longer burning time for the match 53.

[0036] It has thus been shown that, in the cigarette package of the present invention, the matchbook 20, 40, 50 is attached to the outer wall surface 121 of the cigarette box 10 to facilitate removal of matches and to obviate the need for altering existing dimensions of the cigarette box 10. In addition, in view of the arrangement of the ignitable head ends of the matches and the abrasive strips of the matchbook 20, 40, 50, matches can be lighted as they are torn apart from the matchbook cover for added convenience.

[0037] While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

I claim:
 1. A cigarette package comprising: a cigarette box with an outer wall surface; and a matchbook attached to said outer wall surface of said cigarette box, said matchbook including a matchbook cover having an inner cover part with an inner cover surface, and an outer cover part connected to said inner cover part and having an inner cover surface, at least one match disposed between said inner and outer cover parts, connected to and capable of being torn apart from said matchbook cover, and having a head end coated with an ignitable material, a first abrasive strip provided on said inner cover surface of said inner cover part, and a second abrasive strip provided on said inner cover surface of said outer cover part.
 2. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cigarette box includes: a box body adapted to receive cigarette sticks therein and having an open top end; and a lid for closing said open top end of said box body, said matchbook being attached to said lid.
 3. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lid is a flip-top lid connected pivotally to said box body, and has a top wall with said matchbook attached thereto.
 4. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said inner cover part is formed integrally with said cigarette box such that said outer wall surface of said cigarette box also serves as said inner cover surface of said inner cover part; said outer cover part having a mounting edge attached to said outer wall surface of said cigarette box; said matchbook including a row of said matches connected to said mounting edge.
 5. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 4, wherein said head ends of said matches are connected to said mounting edge.
 6. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first abrasive strip is offset from said head ends of said matches, and said second abrasive strip is parallel to said first abrasive strip and is disposed to confront said first abrasive strip when said outer cover part is disposed in a closed position for concealing said matches.
 7. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said inner cover part has an outer cover surface attached to said outer wall surface of said cigarette box; said outer cover part being connected to said inner cover part via a hinge joint; said matchbook including a row of said matches, and a stem that interconnects said head ends of said matches and that is attached to said inner cover surface of said inner cover part adjacent to said hinge joint.
 8. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first abrasive strip is offset from said head ends of said matches, and said second abrasive strip is parallel to said first abrasive strip and is disposed to confront said first abrasive strip when said outer cover part is disposed in a closed position for concealing said matches.
 9. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said inner cover part has an outer cover surface attached to said outer wall surface of said cigarette box, a first cover connecting edge, and a first distal edge opposite to said first cover connecting edge; said outer cover part having a second cover connecting edge connected to said first cover connecting edge, and a second distal edge opposite to said second cover connecting edge; a distance between said second cover connecting and distal edges being shorter than that between said first cover connecting and distal edges; said matchbook including a row of said matches having match stems formed with said head ends that are disposed between said inner and outer cover parts adjacent to said first and second cover connecting edges; said match stems further having handle portions that extend respectively from said head ends toward said first distal edge and that are folded to further extend to and connect with said second distal edge.
 10. The cigarette package as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first abrasive strip is offset from said head ends of said matches, and said second abrasive strip is parallel to said first abrasive strip and is disposed to confront said first abrasive strip. 